Dr. M. Angamuthu, I.A.S. Chairperson Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA)
CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE
It gives me great pleasure to present this CSR Compendium highlighting the community development initiatives undertaken by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). As one of India’s major ports, VPA has always believed that growth and development must go hand in hand with social responsibility. While the port plays a vital role in supporting trade and economic progress, we are equally committed to contributing to the welfare and development of the communities around us.
Through our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, VPA strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people by focusing on key areas such as Skill Development, Healthcare, Education, and access to safe drinking water. Over the years, VPA has supported several programmes aimed at strengthening local communities, empowering youth with employable skills, improving access to healthcare services, and enhancing basic infrastructure in underserved areas. These efforts reflect our commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
I am also pleased to share that Visakhapatnam Port Authority has been honoured with the 11th Greentech CSR Award 2025, securing recognition in two categories – Health Promotion and Skill Development. This recognition reflects the dedication and positive impact of VPA’s CSR initiatives in improving the quality of life of communities.
At VPA, we believe that responsible institutions must go beyond their core functions and actively contribute to the well-being of society. Our CSR initiatives are guided by this vision and aim to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people.
I sincerely appreciate the efforts of all stakeholders, partner organisations, and community members who have been involved in these initiatives. I hope this compendium will provide valuable insights into the work being undertaken by VPA and inspire continued collaboration towards building stronger and healthier communities.
ANCHORING HOPE BEYOND THE SHORE
Visakhapatnam Port Authority is creating opportunities for youth, women, and marginalised communities through skill development, access to healthcare, and clean drinking water projects - onshore and beyond
On India’s eastern coastline, where cranes tower above docks and vessels line the horizon, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) stands as a vital gateway for trade. Cargo moves in and out, connecting India to the world. Yet beyond the visible bustle of maritime commerce, another kind of movement is quietly transforming lives – one that cannot be measured in tonnes or turnaround time. It is the movement of opportunity, health, and dignity, made possible through VPA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Over the years, VPA has steadily expanded its role from a commercial Port to a responsible Public Institution. Guided by national CSR guidelines and a structured approval process, the Port Authority supports projects that address real needs: skill development for youth, healthcare for vulnerable communities, and access to clean drinking water in remote regions. The results are tangible: thousands trained, hundreds placed in jobs, school hostels supported, and communities provided with reliable healthcare and safe water.
Across coastal Andhra Pradesh and as far as Assam’s tea gardens, VPA’s CSR initiatives reflect a simple but powerful belief: development must reach people where they are.
In and around Visakhapatnam, many young graduates once faced a frustrating reality: they held degrees but lacked industry-ready skills. The gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations left many unemployed for years. Recognising this “grey zone”, VPA partnered with the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS), supported under the Sagarmala vision of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. With India’s long coastline and expanding port-led industrialisation, the demand for skilled manpower is imminent.
Since 2023, CEMS has trained 535 candidates sponsored by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). Out of these, 418 candidates have secured employment through placement-linked programmes, achieving a near-complete placement rate among the empanelled candidates. This support is being continued further.
Guided classroom learning introduces students to industry-relevant concepts and practical problem-solving.
Mentored practice in a modern laboratory environment sharpens precision, teamwork, and technical confidence.
- 535 unemployed youth trained under skill development programmes supported by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).
- 418 candidates secured employment through placementlinked programmes.
Hands-on training with advanced machinery enables trainees to translate theory into real-world technical skills.
A community health initiative brings timely medical care closer to port workers and local residents.
- Approximately 40–80 patients receive medical consultation and free medicines daily at the healthcare facility near the port area, supported by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).
Skill development supports livelihoods, but health is the foundation of well-being. In partnership with the Red Cross Society, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has established a free healthcare facility for nearby residents in the port area, many of whom belong to marginalised communities.
The clinic operates six days a week, handling an average of 40 walk-in patients daily, and sometimes more than 80 within three to four hours. It treats seasonal illnesses, skin allergies, and respiratory tract infections.
Dr Anjali, a resident from Andhra Medical College, describes the impact: “Patients regularly come to us with skin allergies or seasonal diseases; there have been more upper respiratory tract infections lately, and skin allergies also vary according to the area in which people live.”
She says that access to healthcare like this helps people become more aware and enables them to treat the issues they face. “This also helps maintain the high level of trust people have in the organisations. Since I started working with the VPA programme, I have felt a deeper connection with the people and am even more proud of the work VPA does,” she adds.
The clinic has become more than a medical facility – it is a symbol of trust between the port and its surrounding community.
Through a VPA-supported clinic, essential healthcare services and medicines are delivered directly to communities, strengthening access, awareness and everyday wellbeing
Hundreds of kilometres away in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, a quiet intervention is transforming lives. Moderkhat Girls’ High School, the only girls’ school in the Moderkhat mouza of the Chabua-Lahual constituency, operates a hostel that accommodates 51 girls from rural and marginalised communities. For years, iron-contaminated groundwater made daily life difficult. Drinking, cooking, and even washing clothes were challenging. Surveys confirmed high iron content in the water.
During the 2022–23 session, VPA installed a water filtration plant on the hostel premises. The system has been operating effectively for nearly two years. Principal Jayanta Deka explains: “We all know that water is essential for life, and we should all consume clean water.
Consumption of unclean water can lead to several illnesses. The installation of this water filtration plant has greatly benefited the girls.” He adds that previously, students complained of discoloured clothes and related issues, which have now disappeared. “Without this project, the number of girls in the hostel would have decreased drastically,” he says.
For the students, the difference is immediate. Rima Munda says, “Previously, there was a problem for drinking water. Girls also experienced itching because of the high iron content in the water, but now we are very happy.”
Surabi Karmakar echoes her words: “Now we have filtered water. It is much easier to wash clothes as well. We do not have to face these problems because filtered water is available.”
Clean water here is not a convenience – it is a safeguard for health and continuity in education.
A water purification system ensures infrastructure reliable access to clean water for the entire school community.
- 51 hostel students benefited through provision of safe drinking water facilities.
- 229 school students supported through installation of water filtration systems.
A young student stands with quiet confidence, her daily life strengthened by access to safe water and supportive infrastructure
Located within the Ramai Tea Garden in Dibrugarh, this school faced similar challenges. Established in 2023, it currently enrols 229 students from Class 6 to Class 11. The Ramai Tea Garden Model Higher Secondary School lacked a reliable supply of potable water.
Principal Manju Dutta Gohain recalls the difficulties: “Due to our location inside a tea garden, we faced several challenges, one of which was the lack of clean potable water.”
With the support of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and the facilitation of the local Member of Parliament, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, a water filtration plant was installed about two years ago. “Now we have an adequate supply of clean drinking water for our students, staff, and visitors,” she said with gratitude, else who needs it,” she says, expressing gratitude to Visakhapatnam Port Authority and state leadership. The school is committed to proper management to ensure long-term benefits.
For young Riya Kujur of Class 6, the lesson is simple: “Our body remains healthy if we consume clean water. I want to thank them for providing a clean water supply at our school.”
Behind these stories lies a clear governance framework. Visakhapatnam Port Authority ‘s CSR initiatives are implemented in accordance with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways guidelines, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with national priorities. Its approach covers skill development, healthcare, drinking water, and environmental sustainability in a focused and structured manner.
Ports may be gateways for trade, but they can also be gateways for transformation. Through its CSR work, VPA has shown that infrastructure and inclusion can advance together.
Ports may be gateways for trade, but they can also be gateways for transformation. Through its CSR work, VPA has shown that infrastructure and inclusion can advance together. More than 535 young people trained, nearly 418 placements secured, 51 hostel girls provided with safe drinking water, 229 tea garden students supported with clean water, and dozens receiving daily healthcare – these outcomes reflect meaningful change.
By strengthening skills, improving health, and supporting basic infrastructure, VPA affirms that true progress is measured not only in economic terms, but in lives improved. Beyond the docks, its impact is visible in classrooms, clinics, and workplaces where hope has found lasting ground.
School leadership plays a vital role in sustaining the impact of infrastructure support and ensuring long-term benefits for students.
Building on these meaningful outcomes, Visakhapatnam Port Authority remains committed to expanding its CSR initiatives. Under the benevolent leadership of Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, I.A.S., Chairperson, VPA, the journey of community development continues with renewed vision and dedication. As part of its future initiatives, VPA is also planning to adopt a village and implement integrated development activities aimed at improving livelihoods, infrastructure, and overall quality of life for the local community.
Students and teachers gather at Ramai Tea Garden Model Higher Secondary School, benefiting from improved basic facilities.